The interior of the Recreation Ground hasn't changed a great deal since the days of Aldershot FC who alas went out of business in 1992. A new Club was born shortly after named Aldershot Town, who took over the Recreation Ground and have successfully risen through the lower leagues.

The ground itself is set in a pleasant setting with plenty of trees visible around its perimeter. On one side is the North Stand. This was built by the supporters club in 1932, in preparation for the old Aldershot FC joining the league. It was built on top of some much older stone terracing, and is raised slightly above pitch level where the stone base of the terracing can still be seen. It originally had bench seating only in the front, central sections, but this was replaced with individual seats when new dressing rooms and offices and the Directors box were added in 1980. Further seating was also added in 2008 on Aldershot town’s promotion to the League to bring the total seats in the ground close to 2,000. However both ends and a small section behind the seats are still standing. The stand has two quirks, due to the way it was first built: the roof does not quite cover the first row or two of the seats; also, it was not built level, so when seen from across the pitch it is visibly higher towards its east end.

At one end is the East Bank covered terrace. This stand has a classic looking barrel shaped roof and has a number of supporting pillars running across the front of it. Opposite is the High Street End. Until 2013 this area was unused for spectators having just a narrow path and some advertising hoardings. However to help the Club comply with League rules stipulating the number of seats that a ground must have, then a small prefabricated covered area was erected on one side of this end (towards the Main Stand). Called the Community Stand it comprises just four rows of seats and only runs from the corner flag to the goal area. It has a total seating capacity of 250. On the other side of this end is a two storey green portakabin that serves as a Police Control Box, otherwise this end is unused for spectators. The ground benefits from an impressive set of floodlights.

In August 2015 the ground was renamed the EBB Stadium in a corporate sponsorship deal.

Away fans are housed in the South East corner of the ground. This comprises 212 covered seated places which are available in the South Stand and space for a further 1,320 standing supporters in the East Bank Terrace and a portion of open terrace extending around to the South Stand. The East Bank is shared with home supporters and there are a number of supporting pillars, which could obstruct your view. Although the East Bank is showing its age, at least it does allow a good atmosphere to be created and it does have that interesting barrel shaped roof. Despite the club having done significant work to improve facilities for away supporters, they remain pretty basic. Refreshments are provided via a mobile catering unit, selling the usual fayre of Cheeseburgers (£4), Jumbo Hot Dogs (£3.50) and Chips (£2).

Robin Carder informs me; 'Travelling fans are also reminded that the Away turnstiles (11 and 12) are not at the front of the ground but via the park entrance accessed off Redan Road (Hill). The walk from the High Street entrance to the Away turnstiles can take 10 minute so allow plenty of time, and factor in potential queues due to there being only two turnstiles (there are plans to increase this to three). The only access to away supporters permitted via the front entrance is for disabled supporters who now have two dedicated wheelchair bays in the away seats. Please enquire with the club for more information'.

Although there is a Club house at the ground, this is for home supporters only. As the main away supporters entrance to the ground is up the top of a a hill on Redlan Road, then the two pubs in this area are popular with visiting fans. One of these, the La Fontaine pub on Redan Road, is just across the road from the away entrance path. It serves Fillers Beers and from here you can enjoy some pleasant views of the ground located down below. Please note though that this pub does not admit away supporters after the game has finished. Just down from this pub and around the corner on Mount Pleasant Road is another Fullers pub called the Royal Staff. Elaine Taylor a visiting AFC Wimbledon fan adds; 'The Royal Staff was lovely. Not a huge pub, but good beer and a real fire. It is reasonably close to the away end and had a very friendly landlord'.

Otherwise for fans coming in by train, then the Crimea Inn is only a short walk away from the stadium (on the corner of the High Street and Crimea Road) and is popular with the away support, as well as the Beehive on the same road. Further down the High Street is the Queen Hotel, which is a new Wetherspoon outlet. Otherwise, the ground is just a short walk away from Aldershot Town Centre where there are plenty of pubs to be found.

If driving into Aldershot along the A323 and you have a bit of time on your hands, then located nearby is the White Lion pub in Lower Farnham Road. This pub has up to six hand pulled ales (including beers from the Triple fff Brewery) and is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. It is around a 15-20 minute walk away from the football ground.

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Leave the M3 at Junction 4 and take the A331 towards Farnborough/Aldershot. Continue towards Aldershot passing the North Camp turn off. At the next junction (Aldershot South) turn right at the roundabout towards Aldershot Town Centre (A323). Keep straight on this road and after going under a railway bridge, the ground is visible on your right.

There is little parking available at the ground itself. But if using the directions above then if you pass the ground on your right and then turn right at the next roundabout there is a small pay and display car park immediately on your right, which costs £2 for four hours. There is street parking available on roads near to the La Fontaine pub off Redan Road, but bear in mind it is a walk up a steep hill back to your car after the game has ended. Otherwise most fans tend to park in one of the many pay & display car parks, located around the town centre.

Aldershot Railway Station is less than a ten minute walk away from the ground. Upon leaving the train station, go down the station approach and turn right into Windsor Way. Continue down Windsor Way passing the Holy Trinity Church on your left. The road bends to the left and leads into Victoria Road. Turn right along Victoria Road and at the bottom of the road you will see floodlights of the Recreation Ground in front of you.

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Aldershot Town v Maidstone United
National League
Saturday 30th December 2017, 12.30pm
Georgina Hawkes (Maidstone United fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the EBB Stadium?

Another new stadium to add to the list and it looked to be a decent sized non league ground.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

A reasonable drive around M25 and A3, in fact no traffic at all. We arrived in Aldershot at 11.30am. We parked in a town centre multistorey which I wouldn't recommend for away fans as it is a hike back past the main entrance, up the hill and through the park to the away end!

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

Just the hike to the away end!

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the EBB Stadium?

The EBB Stadium itself is nice. A traditional old ground, decent views from everywhere it seemed. We got seats in small away seated section alongside pitch, which had unrestricted views.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

The atmosphere was pretty good, stewards were very helpful and friendly. Toilets were basic portaloos - the one I went in was like being on a boat it was so wobbly! The game itself was very entertaining and we were unlucky not to come away with three points after Aldershot scored an equaliser in stoppage time.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

By the time we had made the long hike back to the car the traffic had all cleared. It didn't look too bad anyway.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

A nice day out at a traditional old English ground with a lot of character. The away end is basic but the view is fine which is the main thing for me. Next time we would park up the hill (on or near Redan Road) which is nearer to the away entrance.

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the EBB Stadium?

One positive to come out of Orient's recent slip down the football ladder is the opportunity to tick off some more new grounds up and down the country. Add to that a relatively local trip and we were on our way.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

The journey from Essex was simple enough. Standard traffic on the M3 slowed progress a little, but we arrived at the Recreation Ground in good time. Upon attempting to park at a public car park next to the ground, an Aldershot fan advised us that the walk to the away end was not a pleasant one, as it is uphill. After he redirected us, we were able to find street parking much closer to the signposted away end.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

Unfortunately for one of the travelling contingent who had to collect his ticket, his pre-game time was spent traipsing down and then back up the hill and through the incredibly rural access to the away turnstiles. This is something to note for fans in a hurry. It is also worth noting that disabled fans would really struggle to enter the ground this way, with steep steps leading the path down to the turnstiles.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the EBB Stadium?

The ground by modern standards is very outdated, surprisingly so considering Chelsea play their reserve football there. We were stood in the away terrace behind one goal, which is shared with home supporters. The O's fans were also given extra terracing along the side of the pitch and some seating in a small stand to our left. There was a travelling contingent of around 500, making a total attendance of just over 3,000. The pitch was in great condition, perhaps due to their Premier League tenants.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

The game was a bit of a smash and grab a point in the end. Aldershot took a deserving 2-0 lead inside of 20 minutes and could have increased this lead further. Orient managed to pull a goal back just before half time and nearly went in level, but for a wonder save from the Shots keeper. The second half followed a similar pattern, but with both sides wasting some good opportunities, Orient eventually levelled late on and the game finished 2-2. The Aldershot fans generate a good atmosphere on the terrace, although seemed particularly hostile towards the Orient fans, almost as if this was a major derby game for them. The covered away terrace has good acoustics and allows for a good amount of noise to be generated. The food, unfortunately, is up there with the worst food I've sampled at a football ground. The burger was just about edible, and the hot dog I was given came complete with moldy cheese. Eleven quid for the pleasure. Aldershot have been around the National League for some time now and the provision of portaloos sums up the standard of the ground.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Getting away was simple enough.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

In terms of atmosphere, one of the better days you will experience in non-league football. In terms of ground quality, food, facilities and access, there is much to be desired. If Aldershot continue their form and eventually achieve promotion to League Two, it would appear that much investment in the stadium will be required.

1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):

It was the last game of the season and Hereford needed to win and hope Chester did not won their home game against Salisbury, to secure survival in the division. This especially important as relegation for Hereford might mean that the Club finally goes out of business, after facing numerous winding up orders this season. It was also a new ground to visit for me and I would get to see some friends and people from my hometown that I don’t get to see often, as I’m away at university. The big away attendance also excited me, so I expected a good atmosphere.

2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

The journey to the ground was easy from the train station. As soon as you get out on to the main road running through the town, you can see the ground at the bottom of the hill, with its large floodlights. The away entrance is up a hill to the right of the stadium’s front (if coming from the town), the walk takes a few minutes, then you have to walk back down for a few minutes through a park, on the left side as you come up the hill, back towards the stadium.

3. What you did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly?

Pre-match we arrived a couple of hours early, so we walked around the town, after getting our tickets and me and my mate grabbed some food. He got a Greggs but I had chips from chip shop, which were nice enough, but quite expensive for the portion size. We then made our way back towards the ground and once we got to the hill, we noticed a couple of Hereford supporters walking towards La Fontaine, which is a pub opposite the entrance to the park for the away end. The bouncer there though said it was full and redirected us to The Royal Staff which was a decent enough pub and was a designated away pub due to large Hereford travelling support.

4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?

The Hereford fans were mostly on one side of the East Bank at one end, with some more of our fans in an open terrace to our left along with some covered seating. There were Aldershot fans to our right, across a divide behind the goal. The stadium isn’t bad at all, it definitely has character and there are far worse grounds out there. The only problem for me, was the large amount of supporting pillars in the stand, which were relatively inescapable due to the fact that when we arrived in the stadium, most of the areas that had the best views were already filled, although we moved in the second half towards the front, where the view was better.

Hereford started the game well, with Sam Smith scoring in the first half with the away end going mad, but at this point, news had filtered through that Chester were leading against Salisbury, but after news reaching us that Salisbury had scored and Hereford were (at that point) safe from relegation, with us Hereford supporters going mad. In the second half, Chester scored to make it 2-1, then Aldershot equalised, even though Hereford had been (maybe I’m biased) much the better side. Aldershot were safe themselves, but they still played quite well in parts, and their equaliser was a good finish, which went in off the post, beating Daniel Lloyd-Weston in the Hereford goal.

At this point, we were staring at relegation, when Michael Rankine scored for Hereford in the 86th minute. We still needed Chester to fail to win, but as we were celebrating the Rankine goal, news came through that it was 2-2 in Chester and with 4 minutes to go, we were safe. Hereford saw the game out and remained in the Skrill Premier and live to fight another day. With regards to atmosphere, it was superb. I hadn’t seen an away Herefordian crowd that large for years and all 772 were vocal before, during and after the match. The Aldershot fans took a while to get going but with their team attacking their most vocal supporters (in the right of the East Bank), they attempted to match our support. When news of Salisbury’s goals and the full time whistle went, we went absolutely mental in the away section, with hordes of people running forwards to the front and Chris Bush, the Hereford full back, running through the East Bank to celebrate with the fans. For about 25 minutes after the game, nobody left the away section as we were too busy celebrating. After a season of problems both on and off the field, I think the UNITED part of our club’s name was definitely applicable. I’d never seen anything like it.

With regards to the facilities, we didn’t have to queue long at half time but as usual, the prices from the burger fan behind the stand were expensive for what they were, with a small bottle of water costing £2. I also heard people grumbling about the price of burgers and chips but I didn’t really notice the prices of the food. There is also a large area for smoking behind the stand. There were plenty of stewards present, particularly in front of our supporters at the end, which some found annoying. But at full time they were fine, with their only concern being not letting us on the pitch, but the players instead ran over to us and ran into our end. They also seemed to smile and said well done on our way out of the ground. Credit to the Aldershot fans who remained to celebrate their side staying up, and that applauded us for our effort.

6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

We hung around in the stadium for a while, post-match, celebrating with our fans and the players, but once we had left, we were out of the ground and back to the train station in about 10-15 minutes and we caught the train back to London.

7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

It was an amazing day. “Better than Halifax and Brentford” was shouted by lots of United fans, in reference to promotions to League 2 and League 1, a few years ago, but this felt extra special, as the turbulent season was over and the relief and ecstasy at full time was unbelievable. It was the best atmosphere, particularly from our fans, that I had experienced in years and probably have up to this point, in my 19 year old life. Words can’t describe it. Aldershot is a nice enough town and the ground was a good little stadium, with the pillars being my only complaint of the whole day, and I look forward to going back next season!

1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):

There were numerous reasons for me to be looking forward to this game. It was the first away game of the season, and only my third away game ever with Dartford. I'd missed the home game the previous Saturday, which we'd won, so everyone was hoping to keep the ball rolling against a ex-league side.

2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

I went to the game with my Uncle, who drove. We found the stadium easily enough, but spent about 20 minutes looking for a place to park. We ended up parking in a multi-storey car park which was a 10-15 minute walk from the stadium.

3. What you did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly?

Nothing really, by the time we'd got parked and into the ground, the teams were already coming out of the tunnel.

4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?

From the High Street the ground looked fairly modern and welcoming, however, this was one of the home stands that I was looking at. It seemed quite a hike uphill from the High Street and through a small park to eventually reach the away turnstiles.

Dartford lost the game 3-0. However, the dome shaped roof of the away terrace had good acoustics, which helped create a good atmosphere. I got a burger at half time and this was one of the best tasting that I have had in a long time. A little confusingly the refreshment area and toilets are set away from the terrace and on re-entry to the terrace you are asked by the stewards to show your ticket to gain admittance. This caught a few people out who either had lost their ticket or it was with someone else still inside!

6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Getting away wasn't a problem. Of course, there was a bit of traffic on the High Street, like after any football game.

7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

Having not been to many away games, I still found it enjoyable, despite the result. But compared to the few other away matches that I'd been to, it wasn't the best.